“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going”
— Jim Rohn
Simplified Meaning:
Starting something new often comes from a burst of excitement or a strong reason to make a change, like deciding to exercise because you want to be healthier. This initial push is called motivation. However, it's easy to lose that excitement over time. Imagine someone wants to learn to play the guitar. In the beginning, they're very eager and practice every day because it's fun and new. But after a few weeks, they might feel less excited. This is where habits come in. If they have made practicing guitar a part of their daily routine, like brushing their teeth, they'll keep practicing even when they don't feel as motivated. Building habits means doing something regularly until it becomes second nature. So even when the initial thrill fades away, the routine will keep you on track. For instance, if you build a habit of going for a run every morning, you'll keep doing it even on days you don't feel like getting out of bed early. To apply this idea in your life, focus on creating small, consistent habits that support your goals. Start with something manageable, like dedicating 10 minutes a day to practice a skill you want to improve. Over time, these small steps become habits that help you stay committed and make progress, even when your motivation dips.